Rohit Arya, who recently held children hostage in Mumbai, has been discontented with the government system and education department for over a year. He asserted that the Maharashtra government took his concept for the 'Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala' initiative, initially based on his film 'Let's Change', which they implemented in 2022.
Rohit alleged that the government used his idea, concept, and film rights without giving him due credit or payment. He said, 'They made use of my work and then outright denied my role.'
'Neither Money Nor Recognition'
According to Rohit, then-Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar praised his work and approved the project, allotting a budget of ₹2 crores. However, after its completion, he did not receive any money or recognition.
In response, Rohit resorted to protests and sit-ins multiple times. On one occasion, he even went on a hunger strike for about a month. Reports suggested that Minister Kesarkar promised to address his grievances, but Joint Secretary Mahajan halted payments citing an inquiry.
Previous Statement on Suicide
In an earlier statement, Rohit mentioned, 'If I commit suicide, Deepak Kesarkar, his personal secretary Mangesh Shinde, then-Education Commissioner Suraj Mandre, Tushar Mahajan, and Sameer Sawant will be responsible.'
Rohit felt not only ignored by the system but also robbed of his hard work and ideas. This insult and financial injustice drove him to the extent where he felt the need to hold children hostage to amplify his voice in Mumbai.
'No Agreement for ₹2 Crore to Rohit'
In response to these allegations, Maharashtra's Education Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol clarified, 'There was no agreement to pay Rohit Arya ₹2 crores for the school cleanliness monitoring project. He worked voluntarily and received appropriate certifications for his contributions. Subsequently, he was discussing the implementation of the 'Majhi Shala Sundar Shala' program with the government, but it was never finalized. The Maharashtra government owed him nothing.'
Funds Provided by the Department - Kesarkar
Reacting to the claims, Minister Deepak Kesarkar mentioned that Rohit's concept was termed as cleanliness monitor, and he held a position in my school’s Sundar Shala project. He received funds directly from the department.
'Hostage Situation Was Wrong'
The issues should have been resolved by approaching the department instead. Taking people hostage is not justified. Kesarkar also noted that when he was minister, some contracts were awarded to Rohit.
Kidnapped Under Pretense of Audition
It is to be noted that at RA Studio in Powai, Rohit Arya kidnapped a total of 19 individuals, including 17 children. The children were called for an audition, but instead, they were held hostage there. As soon as the Mumbai Police were informed about the hostage situation, they acted swiftly and successfully rescued the children.
Meanwhile, Hit Arya fired at the police with an air gun, which led the officers to use force to subdue him, resulting in his injury. He was sent to the hospital, where doctors declared Rohit deceased.
